EAST AFRICAN INPUT AT THE RICH MIX CLUB PIVOTS UP LONDON

 Somali poet, Ahmed Magare reads fervently at Rich Mix. Pic by F Macha

I was part of a beautiful day on Easter Sunday.

Rich Mix is definitely among hottest clubs in London at the moment. Strategically situated. Not just in Hackney but Shoreditch.

A THING OR TWO ABOUT KENYAN ACTRESS LUPITA NYONG'O

 Lupita Nyong'o being interviewed by ABC presenter Jimmy Kimmel in January 2014...

One of the biggest talks across London and the Uzunguni world this past week has been the film “12 Years a Slave” by black British director, Steve McQueen. Among its award winning cast is an actress from neighbouring Kenya who is brightening the northern hemisphere like a full, sparkling moon.  She has not only been praised for her brilliant acting abilities, but her character, looks and taste of clothing.  The Western media is in love with her so much- that every other day something about her is been published. She is a breath of fresh air bubbling positive African news in the rich world. Just watch one of the numerous television interviews she did with Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, on You Tube, for example to see what I mean. When Hollywood star Leonard DiCaprio, stopped to kiss her on her cheek, photographers could not stop snapping. Yes. She is a star and an East African at that. But, hold on. Who is she? What …is she called? To start with her name is a mouthful.

Lupita  Nyong’o.

Lupita is easy, but Nyong’o- for non East Africans- is like teaching them to say “ng’ombe” (cow), ng’ang’ania (cling) or “ng’ambo” (other side)…how do you pronounce that? 

LONDON’S SPITALFIELDS MARKET AND NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR TANZANIAN FARM BUSINESS

Picture this. A huge table. Around eleven in the morning.  People of all nationalities are seated listening and watching one of the speakers holding a small thin mango. If you are a child it might look as though the man is fondling a beautiful toy. Tantalizing and mouth watering the mango is quite ripe. Usually it would cost you around three thousand shillings here in London. The price in Tanzania is much, much less than that. High season Embe Sindano? A mere hundred to three hundred shillings. Probably just 500 for low season.

“I can get you better mangoes than this” the medium built man says dead pan. By the tone of his voice, the contours of his calloused hands and his relaxed demeanour we can say (and conclude) he knows what he is talking about. Photographers in the room and journalists are taking in everything he is saying. Looks like an historical occasion.

The man who we have been told has a farming background picks up a bunch of sweet bananas (“kichani cha ndizi kisukari” in Swahili) and with that similar mix of positive arrogance, experienced and relaxed composure declares:

“We can provide you better bananas than this.”

What does he mean by better?

“Thicker, bigger and sweeter.”